The Stones finished 2024 in style as they continued their brilliant unbeaten run with a comfortable victory at Tonbridge Angels. Maidstone are now unbeaten in 16 matches having won their last five matches.

With just two minutes played, a Charlie Seaman cross came to Matt Rush who did well to stand the ball up. It was headed on by Temi Eweka and then George Fowler got the vital touch to turn the ball in.

There was then little to note until Alexis Andre Jr bravely came for Liam Vincent’s cross. Then shortly after this, Jeremy Santos’ deflected effort was comfortably stopped by the Maidstone keeper.

With 41 minutes gone, Antony Papadopoulos cut out the ball in midfield and played in Aaron Blair. Blair was forced wide and his shot went straight at Matt Rowley.

Deep in first half stoppage time, Tonbridge equalised. Bivesh Gurung appeared to have done well to shepherd the ball out of play but it wasn’t given. Tonbridge kept the move going and it eventually came to the unmarked Vincent who headed in from close range.

On 57 minutes, Papadopoulos delivered a lovely cross. Sol Wanju-Smith attacked it and Ronny Nelson did well to clear it.

A corner from Ben Brookes was met by Papadopoulos whose header went onto the roof of the net before George Elokobi made a triple substitution. Matt Bentley, Tayt Trusty and Reece Greenidge replaced Wanju-Smith, Grung and Brookes.

Then 12 minutes from time, Aaron Blair scored with a stunning strike. Seaman played the ball back to Blair who was about 25 yards out, close to the left touchline and he took a touch to set up a delightful finish which flew past Rowley.

Deep in stoppage time, Maidstone made sure of victory. Substitute Shaquile Coulthirst passed to Seaman who found Blair. Blair had his back to goal and he laid the ball into the path of Matt Bentley who sent a fine finish into the net.

Maidstone United: George Fowler 2, Aaron Blair 78, Matt Bentley 90+5

Tonbridge Angels: 1. Matt Rowley, 2. Crossley Lema, 4. Ryan Hanson, 6. Ronny Nelson, 9. Trevan Robinson (24. Makise Evans 72), 14. Jamie Fielding, 17. Liam Vincent (21. Charlie Pegrum 48), 20. Jeremy Santos (16. Garrett Kelly 79), 22. Scott Wagstaff (18. Naz Bakrin 89), 27. Harry Ottaway, 30. Ethan Sutcliffe. Subs not used: 13. Andrew Norburn.

Maidstone United:1. Alexis Andre Jr, 11. Charlie Seaman, 2. Temi Eweka, 5. George Fowler, 3. Ben Brookes (4. Reece Greenidge 68), 7, Jordan Higgs, 18. Bivesh Gurung (14. Tayt Trusty 68), 15. Sol Wanju-Smith (16. Matt Bentley 68), 20. Antony Papadopoulos, 19. Matt Rush (10. Shaquile Coulthirst 88), 9. Aaron Blair. Subs not used: 13. Lenny Holden.